The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh)
was created in accordance with Law 4443/64, which established Greece as a
founder-member of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic
Studies (CIHEAM). Its foundation took place under Law 1537/85, which was passed
by the Greek Parliament following the provision of Article 28, paragraph 1 of
the Constitution (after at least a 2/3 majority of members in favor ).

The Centre constitutes an international organization whose aim is the
development of scientific cooperation in the sectors of economics, rural
development, management, and applied biological, technological and environmental
sciences, addressing to problems in the Mediterranean area. The Mediterranean
Agronomic Institutes of Bari (Italy), Montpellier (France) and Saragoza (Spain)
are constituent Institutes of the same organization. The annual budget
contribution of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania is entirely
provided by the Greek government.

The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania offers post-graduate specialist
studies ( over a period of two academic years ), leading to the degree of Master
of Science (M.Sc.). Courses are conducted in the English language by visiting
professors from Greek, European, American and Mediterranean Universities in
cooperation with the Institute. Research work at Master's level is carried out
under the supervision and guidance of University professors and researchers.

An important comparative advantage accruing from the activities of the
Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania is that the competence in the
development of cooperation is highlighted within the European Union, the
Mediterranean basin and Balkan countries, both in the provision of post-graduate
training of executives and academics from these countries, as well as in the
contribution to their economic development through common research and
development projects.

Conference Centre:

The Conference Center of MAICh with its versatile design combines First
Class standards of comfort and service with the latest technology in a
prestigious location. It is situated in a picturesque, typical Mediterranean
pine-tree forest setting, 3 km south-east of the City of Chania, 13 km from the
International Airport and 1 km from the Port.

It satisfies the requirements of very sophisticated and advanced Conferences,
accommodates Seminars, Symposiums, Meetings and Presentations and hosts
simultaneously or independently Exhibitions and Poster Sessions.

MAICh's Conference Department combines knowledge, professionalism,
consistency and the expertise of highly skilled personnel and executive staff to
organize Meetings and Conferences assisted by specific Conference management
software. It facilitates functions relevant to Conference organization such as Marketing,
Budgeting, Advertising, Scientific Program, Social Program, and Registration. It
also offers Secretarial Multilingual Services before, during and after the event.

The Conference Halls are supported by all the Modern Audio-visual
Equipment, including Video, Overhead and Slide Projectors, two
BARCO Video Projectors, PHILIPS ProScreen 60, large Screens, Simultaneous
Interpreting System, Video Recorders, Cordless Microphones, Exhibition Stands,
Internet and Email Access in different places.

Services :

This organizes Congresses, Seminars, Symposia, Meetings and Presentations. It accommodates
Exhibitions either held concurrently
with the above or independently, and Poster Displays. It undertakes to provide
vertical support where Conference Services are concerned.

Academic Village:

The Academic Village comprises a Complex of fifteen Luxurious Stone
Houses ( Apartments), constructed in Traditional Cretan Architectural style.
Situated on the premises of MAICh which have fittingly laid out as a Botanical Garden
( under construction ) of Mediterranean type.

Every StoneHouse has an Open-air Terrace of approximately 65
m2. These Apartments are placed in the disposal of Visiting Colleagues, Academics,
and Researchers, Conference Keynote Speakers or VIP Delegates.

Dormitories :

The Dormitory Complex of MAICh has a capacity of 54
Single and 72 Double Rooms, which are fully Air-conditioned, fully Wired for TV,
Telephone and Computer Network Access. A Common Kitchenette and a TV Lounge is
available.

Restaurant &amp; Student Lounge:

The Restaurant has a serving capacity for 260 persons, it is complemented by a
SnackBar with a large TV Screen. Adjacent to
the Restaurant is a cozy Multifunctional Lounge with a Fire place and
multiethnic music collection, designed to accommodate cultural and academic
events and activities. The Institute's Restaurant serves meals ( Breakfast,
Lunch &amp; Dinner ) daily except on Sunday ( cold dish is served ).

MAICh assists the aims
of the E.U. and Greek foreign policy, related to the Mediterranean and the
Balkan countries, through the creation of common educational and research
interests and the transfer of the comparative benefits connected with them.

MAICh offers enhanced post-graduate
education and research activities at M.Sc. level to executive personnel from the
countries of the broader Mediterranean basin. Its strength in such specialized scientific activities is attested by an output of about 150 graduates annually
who are absorbed by the public and private sectors of these countries, forming
the basis for cooperation between them, the E.U. and Greece.

MAICh organizes specialized courses
and seminars both at its headquarters and in third countries of the
Mediterranean and Balkan regions addressed to executive employees through
cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of National Economy
(Bilateral Development Assistance Cooperation, DAC), and EU (DGI), PHARE-TEMPUS
programs, etc.

MAICh coordinates research
networks, which address spearhead topics in European and/or Mediterranean
countries.

MAICh participates in the implementation of post-graduate
programs of pan-European character ( SOCRATES -ERASMUS ).

MAICh contributes vigorously to the implementation of
research policy in the Community strongly participating to pan-European joint
ventures in competitive actions of the DGI, DGVI, DGXI, DGXII, DGXXIII. As a
result, full advantage is gained from specialized manpower and opportunities for
development are created for medium-sized enterprises.

MAICh joins in the implementation of national research policy
with participation in the activities inaugurated through the Community Support
Framework, by the Ministry for Development, the General Secretariat for Research
and Technology, as well as in application development actions carried out by the
Ministries of National Economy (INTERREG), Agriculture, and Environment (LIFE),
and the Regional Authority of Crete.

MAICh contributes to regional and local development
through innovative actions carried out by (ECOS-OVERTURE, Regional development
programs, Article 8 of FEOGA) etc.

As a consequence of the program of Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
Cooperation (MEDA), MAICh has been afforded further opportunities and the
multiplier effect of benefits from its activities has gained even greater
weight. MAICh has already implemented actions, which are funded by an agreement
on cooperation between CIHEAM-EU/DGI within the framework of MEDA.

From the point of view of cost/benefit analysis of
this social investment, adheres direct benefits which amount to an additional
80% increase of the value of the contribution of the Greek Government and the
indirect benefits lead to educational, research and development of manifold
value.